Family is my sustenancewhen trouble knocks me to the groundMy family is my rope.my family helps me get back up....More

Third Place — Tyree D., 17 for "Our Roots Run Deep"

Third Place — Joseph P., 13 for "What makes me strong is Brandon"

What makes me strong is my younger sibling Brandon (name withheld), as a five-year-old child he has witnessed so much violence and neglect. He's in kindergarten and I think to myself "wow when I was in kindergarten I was learning my alphabets"...More

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Top Ten Poetry Finalists

What makes me strong is my younger sibling Brandon (name withheld), as a five-year-old child he has witnessed so much violence and neglect. He's in kindergarten and I think to myself "wow when I was in kindergarten I was learning my alphabets" but it makes me happy knowing that he's going to be more successful in life than I will ever be because he's really wise, smart and he has a great personality for a baby. I remember when he was first born August 5th, 2006. When I held him in my arms and looked in his eyes. I don't think I'll ever be able to express the emotions that I felt at that very moment. I thought, "wow he's the most beautiful baby I have ever seen in my life." To me he's my motivation to live and study. Just because I want the best for him in this world, Behind these walls as a juvenile I really have some time to myself to really get some of the most deepest and sensitive feelings out. I don't want Brandon to have to bear the feelings that I'm facing right now. It's horrible knowing that I have a little brother outside these walls wondering where I am & if I'm safe or not. That's why once I get out I have some freedom. I'm never coming back in here

— Joseph P., 13San Francisco County

What makes me strong is;

What makes me strong is;The things I don't do wrong.At the end of every song.It seems that they were strong.They survive their struggles,For me, there's a lot of tugs,But at the end,I think I just needed a hug.What strong means to me is,The things people do for kids.Some people think there in a pound,But, all I got to say to those people is,If your lost,Get found.

What makes me strong is the one abovehaving faith in G.O.D. is everlasting loveI'm not perfect but I try to be a black man inAmerica is like a land full of beastsNothing but negativity and temptation in a place we call the streetsBut it isn't easy to turn downespecially with a bunch of friends aroundWhat make me strong is the music in my mind and metaphorsthat will leave a person thinking for hoursand plenty of music that will have you singing in the showersWhat makes me strong is the constant support of family and close friendsGot to thank them because where would I be without the people I love?What make me strong is the constant sight of struggle and povertyWith my thoughts to have a better life and proving the people whoExpect me to fail wrongWhat makes me strong is to see a person who everyone thought would be anotherblack statistic in society turn around to be successfulThe material things that people so dearly adorereally doesn't matter like dust on the floorlistening to all these rap songs will leave a brother mind goneuntil the struggle in the hood is goneI'm going to be the best I can be because I'm real mind strong

— Leauthry C., 16San Francisco County

Family Matters

Family is my sustenance when trouble knocks me to the ground My family is my rope. my family helps me get back up.

The trust of my sister kept me going And she makes sure I go back to school Keeps me away from the hood and the block Because she wants me to stop acting like a fool

Mom always showed me a handful of love, taught me right from wrong. Filled my stomach with warm food and Always made me feel so strong.

My dad is as strong as concrete And makes sure that I am on the right track. He enforces his rules on me but it's okay Because I know he always has my back.

My family is the best even though I have been a pestWhile I've been in here I have thought a lot bout my actions its time for change and I'm ready to rearrange

If she wasn't in my lifeI would still be roaming lostSearching for a meaningHunting for a causeIf I didn't have her lovel don't know who I would beJust another lost soulLooking for warm love in them cold streets

— Miguel G., 17San Francisco County

MY STRUGGLES

The list goes on when they ask me "What Makes Me Strong?"I've learned from my wrongs,To make stronger bonds.Towards positive goals,Where I'm from people Duck like moles,When pistols roar,They say its for a cause, but what is it really for?Society tries to ignore,And look the other way,But time is ticking, and I hope I can see another dayWhat makes me strong is the place where l grew up,Where people choose up,Different paths,Some hustle to get what they never have,But that life leads to a blood bath,Or the penitentiary,My back round is out the ordinary,Teens want to grow up but they shouldn't be in a hurry,While I have been locked up, I picked up the dictionary,Because knowledge equals power,What makes me strong is the problems I have been devoured,Not letting bad influences put me down like a coward,Walking with my head up, 24 hours

— Vicente C., 17San Francisco County

What Makes Me Strong

My family makes me strongwithout them I am weak like a lost boy inthe junglethey work until their hands wear downto make sure there are clothes on my backso that my body is protected by the windand the weatherthey make sure when I come home there arevegetables on the tablethe gross taste of celerylingers in my mouth and makes me gagthey make me eat it to stay healthythe smell of thanksgiving dinner reminds meI'm lovedthe sounds of arguing and laughing comfort mewhen I'm sad or lonelymy family is the reason I'm still happy andbreathing and healththat's what makes me strong.

— Vernon M., 17San Francisco County

(SELFMADE)

Growing up not knowing who gave birth to u.Asking GOD does anyone want you?Feeling like the world was as closeyet as far as mars.Feeling like an outcast no rap group.Knowing I have a familybut they don't want to claim you.What also makes me strongknowing that even with everythingI didn't have I got for myself everythingI needed I got for myself.What also makes me strong isknowing that my I come from a different bredthat I have Great qualitiessuch as I'm a Leader not a follower,I hold myself to high standard,I don't let my fear hold me backI never back down to a challenge but,I know how to pick my battles.My HATERS make me strongcuz when you got haters you are doing something right.The moon makes me strongcuz it gives me a hope that i can shine through the dark timesin my life just like it does every night.My heart makes me strong because it keeps power andambition flowing through my blood like a waterfall.God Keeps me strongBy filling my soul with power, strong will, and light.I MAKE MYSELF STRONG BECAUSE IM MADE OUT OF ALLTHESE THINGS THAT MAKE ME STRONG.To sum it up I’m SELFMADE!!!!!!

— Tiree P., 17San Francisco County

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In order to protect the identity of our participants the art and poems submitted do not include contact information. All submissions do, however, state the participant's first name, last initial, age and county in which the work was submitted. All pieces are original and the right to use their pieces was established.